Yam entrepreneurship development thru the promotion of innovations

Research, Development and Extension (RDE) requires a systems approach to management in order to address economic and social agenda. In the Northern Philippines, yam (Dioscorea alata L.)is a high-value root crop known for its medicinal value and rich content of calcium and phosphorous. To develop yam as a sustainable commercial crop, it requires a management system along RDE, organizational output and outcome linkages. This study highlights the importance of multi-disciplinary knowledge flows and entrepreneurial relationships among and between industry, academy, government and non-government institutions and peoples' participation. As a developmental study, the management strategy utilized is the modified system design/approach in yam RDE. This supplies appropriate technologies in a multi-disciplinary approach; participatory approach, employed a variety of extension delivery systems. The program was provided financial-support through the Department of Science and Technology-Technology Application and Promotion Institute-Science and Technology Advisory Program (DOST-TAPI-STEAM-MSTAP), Department of Agrarian Reform -Asian Development Bank-Agrarian Reform Communities (DAR-ADB-ARCs), Department of Agriculture (DA), Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA), Local Government Units (LGUs) and Office of the Provincial Governor (OPG). The program also developed entrepreneurs, involved stakeholders and determines its radiation effect. Conducted from 2000 to present, this program covered 24 RDE studies on cultural management of yam. The R and D on the post-harvest aspect led to the standardization of yam flour technology that is processed into food products like cake, tart, jam, yema,candy bar, maja, pastilles, brownies, bibingka, pie and ice cream. All the products were subjected to quality formulation and testing. A total of 20 trainings with 794 clienteles were trained in the whole gamut of the social and production technologies of yam. For its massive technology dissemination strategies, the program promoted its products by joining 10 exhibits, released one video coverage aired over national television program and eight press releases in national publications, distributed 2100 technologies, 1000 technocalendars and pamphlets on yam production which were likewise supported by 108 farm demonstrations. Nine government and five non-government organizations are currently included in the networking activity to provide financial and institutional support. Right now, some 1338 farmers are involved in the yam enterprise and produced 129100 yam setts generating 50-60% return on investment and made a significant radiation effect.